It took us 13 days on the outward journey from the Kerala Desert to the royal capital, Moorea, and 7 days on the return journey.

(I'm so tired...)

　It was a forced march.
　They chose a dragon-car that seemed to have good running power and endurance, and drove it off and on, day and night.

　They ate and slept in the dragon car.
　With the violent shaking, I honestly didn't get much sleep....

　I sent a letter of report to the Adventurer's Guild via a small flying dragon mail called pterodactyl mail. It's very expensive mail and costs 5,000 rides (500,000 yen).

(But it's an emergency. It can't be helped.)

　I felt like this was still cheap when I saw that threat.

　On the way home, in the dragon car, Mr. Kilt was moving his well regenerated right hand.

　Worryingly, the healed Solstice asks.

'How is it?'
Hmm. It's a little uncomfortable, but you'll get used to it.

　Mr. Kilt replied, gooping his right hand.

　The lost right hand regenerated.

　Yeah, it's not a connection.
　It's regeneration.

　On the detached right hand, the Thanatos magic letters released by the 'Child of Darkness' floated like a tattoo. If I connected it, the erosion might start again.
　Maybe it would turn into a demon as it was... that's what I was worried about.

　Currently, its right hand is placed in a glass bottle filled with liquid.

　It has been magically sealed to preserve it.
　As a valuable sample, I plan to take it back to the guild and ask the 'magicians' to study it.

　But when I saw it...

...It's kind of like being in formaldehyde.　

　I thought so.
　A bit of a horror movie.

　Even Soltis, who seemed to like that kind of research, had a complicated expression because it was indeed Kirt-san's right hand.

　By the way, that's in Kirt-san's bag right now.
　It's kind of surreal.

(But the feeling of discomfort.......is it okay?)

　Sword handling is a delicate thing.
I'm a bit worried about whether it will affect the swordsmanship of the Golden Mark Demon Hunter.

　And then he noticed the expression on my face.

No problem. I've seen this sort of thing before.
Really?
Hmm. These days, in the old days, you used to get slashed all over your body.

　And then one, laughing happily.

(No, that's not okay, is it?)

　It sounds like a very harsh past.
　Me, Illtimina-san and Solstice can't help but look at each other.

　But if she says 'no problem', then it must be true. Kilt-san is someone who doesn't lie about things like that.
　I'm a little relieved.

'Thanks for worrying about me, Merle.

　Kirt's new right hand stroked my head with a crumple.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


　When I saw the royal city in the distance, I noticed it.

(What is this traffic?!)

　Massive processions of horse and dragon carriages have formed on the many roads leading to King's Landing.

　Although they are a speciality of the capital, it is a bit unusual. It's more than three times longer than usual.

　Iltimina noticed.

'Oh, right, it's the king's birthday.
What?
I'd completely forgot that we're celebrating our 50th anniversary next week.

　Oh, by the way, I remember Mumpa saying that.

(I see, that's how people get together.)

　Solstice glared hatefully at the line of traffic, "At a time like this~
　Mr. Kilt gave her a difficult look.

I don't have a choice.

　Hmm?
　Kirt-san called out to Gosha-san, and our dragon carriage left the line of traffic and proceeded toward the royal capital.

　We were immediately stopped by the soldiers who were controlling the traffic.

'Hey, there!　What are you doing!
It's not urgent.

　Kilt-san showing his face.
　In his right hand, a golden magic emblem shines with a divine light.

　The soldier's face, who noticed, immediately strengthens.

''Well, no way, the golden seal.......Demon Princess Kirt Amandes?''
Hmm.

　As soon as she nodded, the soldiers saluted upright and unmoving.
　Oh?

I'm sorry, it's urgent that the royal family be informed. I must go ahead.
Of course. --Hey, you guys, clear the way!

　The soldiers shouted and threw the other carriages out of the way.

　Our dragon carriage is getting awesome stares from people who are tired of waiting.
　Mr. Kilts returned to the dragon carriage and let out a sigh.

I don't like this way of doing things," he said.
Yes.

　Mr. Kilt, you don't seem to like that.

'But I don't blame you. Besides, isn't that what power is supposed to be used for?
Hmmm, yes.

　She giggles at my words.
　Illtimina, who is next to me, hugs me from the side.

'You're right Marle,'
"Ha-ha.
What did you just say? You're Merle.

　Solstice lightly kicks my leg with her toe.

　At us, Kilt-san chuckles again, and then looks out the window at the many people, then at the towering royal capital, Mulia.
　His expression tightened.

'Even if the people resent us here, we must protect this peace at all costs.
..........
..........
..........

　And so our dragon chariot entered the royal city.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇


　The royal capital was very busy.

　The streets were decorated for the ceremony and many stalls had been erected. The number of people was also higher than usual, and the air was somewhat buoyant and full of energy.
　Just walking around, I kept bumping into people.

(Well, I'm going to get lost...)

　Mr. Illtimina's white hand is held out to me and my sister.

'Merle, Sol.'
Uh-huh.
I'm not a kid anymore.

　As I said it, the three of us held hands.　
　And then, he held my hand, even Kirt's hand. Huh?

Come on.
What?

　In the lead, Kilt moved forward, forcing his way through the waves of people.

(Oh, so fast.)

　As expected of Kilt-san.
　The four of us held hands and headed for the adventurer's guild 'Moonlight Wind'.

　We arrived at the guild.

　Once inside the white building, the air was different from the usual.
　But this place is different from the vibrant one of the royal capital, the air is somewhat restless and hectic.

''Ah, Mr. Kilt!''

　One of the staff members there, Qualina, noticed us.

　Tattattling, tattling, tattling.

　He ran up to us in an awkward run.
　The expression on his face was like a lost child finding his parents, and he looked like he was about to cry.

　The others noticed us, too.

　All of them have the same expression on their faces, and they all gather towards us - towards Kirt-san, the Golden Seal Demon Hunter.

(What, what?)

　It's a bit strange.

Even if the report of the 'Child of Darkness' has been received, this is a bit too much of a reaction.

　Not only me and my sisters, but also Kirt-san herself had a surprised look on her face.

　Quarina-san says with a tearful smile.

'Welcome back, Mr. Kirt!　Thank goodness Mr. Kilt and everyone is safe.
What's going on?

　Laughing in annoyance, Mr. Quilts gave the red-headed beastman a light pat on the head to calm him down.
　Ms. Qualina chuckled a small laugh and wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.

　Then, she straightens her expression and tightens her lips.

'I'm sorry, Mr. Kilt, I just returned, and I'm sorry you're tired. But please see Master Mumpa at once.
"Hmm?
The people of King's Landing have been kept in the dark. But I have something important to tell you.

(...important report?)

　The four of us look dubiously at each other.

　While all the gathered adventurers stare at us with divine eyes, Qualina-san, as if representing them, quietly opens her mouth.

''The 'Golden Mark Demon Hunter' who was ordered to search for the 'Son of Darkness', Eldorado Rogue, the Lion of Fierce Fire, was confirmed dead five days ago.

　............
　The four of us froze at that report.


　◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇ ◇.


Kirt, you're okay!

　As soon as I walked into the guild leader's office, Mumpa-san hugged Kilt-san.
　He's a little teary-eyed.

(She must have been really worried about him.)

　Then Mumpa hugged me, Iltimina and Solstice in turn.

'Welcome back. I'm glad you're all okay, too.
Yes.
Yes, sir.
Yes.

　Ms. Mumpa, smiling gently, was like a mother.
　Kirto called her in a hard voice.

"Mumpa,

　Mr. White Beastman turns around.

'Is Elle dead?'
.......... Yes.

　Mumpa's expression was back to that of the guild leader, Mumpa Vina, as he answered.

　We sit down on the sofa for the reception area.

　As usual, the secretary put down her glass of drink and quickly left.
　There was a short pause.

'That was twenty days ago,'

　Mr. Mumpa begins his story.

El Dorado the rogue, the fiery lion, has left the capital city of Mulia to search for the Son of Darkness as ordered. He has decided to visit all the places where the Son of Darkness has been seen in order to look for clues.
..........
Four of them are the 'Silver Mark Demon Hunters'.

　Four silver marks!

(...s, wow.)

　In other words, one Mr. Kilt is the equivalent of four Illtimina's strength.
　Everyone is a bit surprised.

"With that kind of strength, did you lose?
Yeah.

　Mumpa nodded unequivocally to Kilt, who confirmed it.
　She lowered her eyes.

　Then she told me of the battle and the end of El Dorado Rogue, the fiery lion.

　Twenty days ago, he and his companions left the royal capital.
　Incidentally, all of his companions were women - Mr. Kirt laughed, "El is a lion," he said - but they were skilled demon hunters who had been with him for more than five years.

　They first headed east to the city of Shur.
　It was the latest sighting site.
　There was no particular clue.

''It looks disgusting.

　But he muttered to himself as he looked at the scene.

　Then he headed north.

　I don't know why.
　But Eldorado Rogue, the fiery lion, decided that the Son of Darkness was over there. According to Kilt, he has a tremendous intuition. He followed it.

　The Daol Mountains.

　The Daol Mountains, a place where the elevation is high and where snow lingers forever, he finally meets the Son of Darkness.

　--The Son of Darkness.

Beside the Son of Darkness, there were five skinny men and women with tattoos.

　This was also the intuition of the 'Fiery Lion' or this was also a party of five people with a gold and silver seal with the highest strength.

　They then clashed with the five men beside the Child of Darkness.

　The battle was evenly matched.
　Each of the dark men and women were evenly matched with the 'Silver Mark Demon Hunter'.

The Child of Darkness' just laughed and watched the fight.

　''But.

Mmm!

　The battlefield changed quickly as Eldorado Rogue, the fiery lion, defeated one of them.

　In one place, a two-on-one situation was created, and furthermore, he defeated another one.
　And then he would take down another one as well.

　Finally, it was a five to two situation.
　Victory was in sight.

　But from there, things changed quickly.

"Reports say that the Son of Darkness suddenly disappeared.
!

　Our faces get stronger.

(...just like when we fought in the Kera Desert.)

　And in the silvery white world of the Daol Mountains, it happened in the worst possible way.

　Two Silver Mark Demon Hunters.
　A tattoo of Thanatos magic letters suddenly appeared on their bodies.

(........they must have been touched.)

　To the child of darkness who disappeared.　

　The two 'Silver Mark Demon Hunters' had attacked and then killed one of their friends.
　An unexpected betrayal.

　Now it was two against four.
　The war situation was quickly deteriorating for the Fiery Lion.

　He makes a decision.

　He decided to let his only remaining companion, the Silver Seal Demon Hunter, escape as a message to the royal capital.

　The Fiery Lion fought alone.

　With two of his former companions, the two Silver Mark Demon Hunters, and two dark men and women.

"The report says that he seemed to be fighting something (...) that I can't even see. ........It must have been a 'child of darkness'.

　Mr. Mumpa said that he first noticed it when he saw our pterodactyl flight.

　And then - Eldorado Rogue, the Lion of Fierce Fire, died.

　After receiving the report, the guild members who went to the scene found only his body and the bodies of his three companions half buried in the snow in that place where the tornado had raged. Only the intervention of his former comrades must have been desperately needed, said Mr. Kilt.

　We only saw two of the Children of Darkness' companions in the Kela Desert," he said.

　The rest of them were defeated by the fiery lion.

　If it wasn't for him, our results might have been different.
　My mind and body trembled at that fact.

　All reports came from the surviving 'Silver Seal Demon Hunter'.

　But there must have been a chase.
　When she returned to the King's Capital, she was also seriously injured.

　She was injured to the point that it would affect her ability to continue as an adventurer, as well as her future daily life. In particular, her mental damage seemed to be severe, and she was still in the midst of counseling while monitoring her to prevent her from committing suicide.

''...........''
..........
..........
..........

　All four of us were speechless as we listened to the story.

　Mumpa exhaled heavily.

'The death of the Lion of the Blazing Fire is a shock to both the Shumurian royal family and the St. Shulian Church. A letter of intent has already been sent by the King to the Arun Divine Kingdom to coordinate between the nations against the threat of the 'Son of Darkness'.
..........
''Also, the royal family has decided to run the tiger's 'Shumurian Dragon Cavalry'. It's completely serious enough to go to war with the 'Children of Darkness'.

　...the war.
　I'm choking up because it's so important.

　But that's why the Golden Mark Demon Hunters were defeated.

　The sisters are completely silent.

　I looked up at Kirt-san, who was sitting next to me, fearfully.

'I see,'

　She finally nodded.

'What happened to Elle's body after that?'
He's laid to rest at the headquarters of the Adventurer's Guild, the Black Iron Fingers, along with the bodies of the other members of the guild.
"Hmm.

　Mr. Kilt thinks for a moment.

"Why not make it public?
It's a big deal for the public. I'm under a gag order. Next week, at the 50th anniversary celebrations, the king will announce the decision in person. The celebrations will offset the gag order.
I see.
But I'm not going to go public with The Dark Child just yet.

　...Why?

　Mumpa laughs gently and tells me that the question was on his face.

'Because you don't know anything about it. If I tell you, you'll all just feel insecure.
..........
'What it is, what it's all about, and what it's all about, but most of all, how to deal with the power that makes people demonic I can't make it public until I find out what it is.

　I see.

　There have been outbreaks of diseases in the world that have killed people.
　We don't know how to prevent them, and we don't know how to cure them.
　That's all I have to say.

(Announcing that would only cause panic.)

　I nod.
　Mumpa-san's red eyes stare at me like that.

''What?''

　What is it?
　She looked back, but she didn't respond, just smiled deeply, and then looked at Kilt-san.

'Anyway, I'm glad you're okay, Kilt-chan.
Hmm, of course.

　Mr. Kilt looks at his regenerated right hand and moves it lightly.
　Mr. Mumpa watches him and

'When I first saw the sentence 'I fought the Dark Child' on the pterodactyl flight, I almost fainted a bit, you know?　No way, you're a quilt!　And...
Okay.

　Mr. Mumpa pressed down on his ample chest.
　Mr. Kilt chuckled, then exhaled heavily.

'Honestly, I suppose the strawberries were lucky. If something had been different, this one could have been like Elle, too.
Yes.
Hmm. The main difference is this Merle.

　snappingly

(Huh?)

　I am tapped on the shoulder.
　Everyone looks at me in amazement.

I don't know why, but Marle has seen the Son of Darkness that should have disappeared. If it wasn't for that, the warriors wouldn't be here.

　Really?

(...it feels like an overreaction.)

　But Illtimina-san next to her nodded widely.
　Soltis seemed a bit unhappy, but didn't deny it.

　Mumpa-san looked at me and smiled.　

''Well the report of the pterodactyl flight was true, wasn't it?
Uh-huh.
Merle yourself, do you know why?

　full of

　I shook my head.
　Mr. Mumpa looks at me for a moment, then thinks for a moment.

"I guess so. You don't have a memory.
..........
But I wonder if it's still relevant?

　When he muttered that, Mr. Mumpa straightened his posture.

'Mr. Marr.'
Yes, sir.

　I straighten my posture.

"I have one more thing to report to you. As a matter of fact, the expedition that went to the Great Forest and Deep Forest of Aldoria the night before last has returned.
!
I've learned a lot of things again there.

　Iltimina and the three others looked at me in surprise.

　Mumpa-san looked around at the three of them, as if he was a little lost.
　Immediately, I realize what he means.

'No problem. Let's hear it for everyone else.
..........
..........
..........

　Mr. Kilt crumpled and stroked my hair.
　Soltis nodded.

　Ms. Illtimina squeezes my hand on her knee, cupping it from above.

　I laugh.
　The three of us laughed, too.

　Mumpa-san looked at us and

Yeah, okay.

　She smiled gently.

　Then she began to speak quietly - and quietly.